Role of plasmids in the antibiotic resistance of bacteria in Asir Province

ABSTRACT

One hundred and five clinical isolated with different antibiotic susceptibility patterns were analyzed for the presented of plasmid DNA. The highest percentages of plasmid DNA were found in Escherichia coli isolated [55%], Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated [50%], and Psudomonas aeruginosa isolated [12.5%]. The number of plasmid species per cell did not always correlated with the antibiotic resistance pattern; however, the plasmids isolated were found correlated with the resistance phenotypes. The significance of and resulting concern stemming from the absence of plasmid DNA in the antibiotic resistance isolated are diseased. The potential use of this approach for tracing infections is also discussed